RAVE & WRECK of the week – 2/1/10

RAVE: HOPE FOR HAITI NOW

Dozens of celebrities donated their money and their voices to the worldwide “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon. In addition to raising more than $66 million, over 60 television networks broadcasted “The Hope for Haiti Now” benefit and nearly 83 million viewers tuned in to watch their favorite stars aid in the cause. The international production was spearheaded by perpetual bachelor George Clooney and Haitian rapper-singer Wyclef Jean. In addition to organizing the benefit, Clooney donated $1 million to the Haiti relief efforts. Clooney oversaw the production in Los Angeles, Wyclef Jean in New York, and CNN’s Anderson Cooper in Haiti. The benefit featured live performances from musical stars Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Coldplay, U2, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, and Madonna. The collection of live performances has become the first digital-only album to reach the top of album charts. In two days, the collection was downloaded 171,000 times. The star-studded event also featured A-list actors such as Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Robert Pattinson, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Ellen DeGeneres, and many more. “Hope for Haiti Now” will continue accepting donations for the next six weeks. Instead of spending money on a lavish vacation to the Caribbean or yet another teacup dog, many celebrities have finally put their millions to good use.

WRECK: Ugly Betty canceled

Due to a noticeable decline in ratings, ABC executives have made the difficult decision to cancel “Ugly Betty” after four seasons. The news was announced early so the show’s producers would have enough time to prepare a proper ending. Many noticed the show began to struggle after it was kicked out of the Thursday night lineup and moved to the Friday night “death slot.” The show received rave reviews when it first premiered, and has since won three Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. The main question for die-hard “Betty” fans still remains: Who will Betty (America Ferrera) end up with? The future of Betty’s love life is unpredictable since she has had several potential love interests over the show’s history, including Henry (Christopher Gorham), Gio (Freddy Rodriguez), Daniel (Eric Mabius), and Matt (Daniel Eric Gold). Immediately after the show’s fate was announced, a number of “Ugly Betty” stars began fielding other job offers. Eric Mabius, Vanessa Williams (Wilhelmina Slater), and Becki Newton (Amanda Tanen) have all been inundated with phone calls, according to a report from the Hollywood Reporter. America Ferrera appearing in another television series is unlikely since she has considered focusing on film. Although “Ugly Betty’s” luck has run out, the show has made a significant impact on media culture and has remained a positive influence for all viewers.